Media release

14 December, 2007

Get into it not out of it “Slowing at a bar near you”

The get into it not out of it campaign is a collaborative effort involving Safe Waitakere, Police, ACC and the District Licensing Agencies from Waitakere, Rodney and North Shore City Councils.

The campaign is aimed at reducing intoxication in taverns and bars throughout Waitemata (North Shore / Rodney and Waitakere).

Approximately 40 bars have agreed to run the campaign within their establishments throughout the period early December to late January. All bars have been supplied with t’shirts, hats, (worn by staff) polo shirts, (worn by duty managers) bar mats and coasters and posters for display inside the premises.

The campaign will be supported by 300 radio ads during December and throughout the Christmas period.

The campaign was successfully run in Christchurch.

“It is an offence to serve intoxicated patrons or to let them remain on licensed premises," Safe Waitakere Alcohol Issues project manager Roy Hunt says.

"Licensees can be fined up to $10,000 and have their license suspended. We want to support our licensed premise staff that work at the coal face. They often have to deal with patrons who want to drink heavily and to the point of intoxication.

"The message is simple: Get into it, not out of it, enjoy the ‘whole night’ by moderating your drinking."

Police campaign representative Senior Sergeant Sharon Stephens says the Police fully support the campaign.

"Many of the offences we deal with involve people who have consumed excessive amounts and alcohol becomes the aggravator, this campaign message is all about enjoying yourself by managing your drinking throughout the night," says Senior Sergeant Stephens.

                        Helpful tips to help you enjoy your night     

·        Have something to eat to help absorb the alcohol, (Licensed premises are required by law to have food available at all times they are open for the sale of liquor. This must be more substantial than potato chips and peanuts).

·        Have regular glasses of water throughout the night. (Alcohol is a diuretic ie causes dehydration and is the primary cause of “hangovers” the following day.)

·        Organise to have a sober driver or an alternative transport option to get you home.

·        Drink in moderation and enjoy the whole night.

·        Keep yourself safe. Never leave your drink unattended

***ENDS***

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